Running in the Italian Dolomites

[The iRunFar team is currently relaxing in Italy (Courmayeur to be exact) after covering and running The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, so we thought now would be an appropriate time to publish the following piece on trail running in another part of Italy – the Dolomites. Below, world renowned outdoor sports photographer Dan Patitucci shares his thoughts on and PatitucciPhoto’s images of the Italian Dolomites and the range’s Alta Via 1 trail.]

My idea of running is putting in huge days in the mountains, climbing peaks along the way and exploring new areas, all in a stunning environment.

The Dolomites offer a lifetime of terrain, a mind boggling vast trail system with backcountry huts complete with fresh Italian food, espresso machines and comfy accommodations.

The Alta Via 1
The destination trail is the Alta Via 1. During the summer months of July through September, the trail is loaded with hikers from all parts of the world. They come for the opportunity to travel north to south through the heart of the Dolomites. Utilizing the socially stimulating mountain huts, evenings are spent eating Italian specialty foods, sipping fine wines and communicating in a wide variety of languages.

The Alta Via 1 is the premier long trail in the Dolomites, the PCT of the region. Most parties spend 10-12 days on the 120km long trail. While Topher Gaylord did it in just under 20 hours, we have run it comfortably in four days, using the huts along the route for food, drinks and sleeping.

120km in four days through arguably the worldʼs most beautiful mountains? Eating great food? …and with only a hydration pack? Yes, itʼs possible.

For complete information & inspiration for traveling to the Dolomites, visit the Patitucciʼs DolomiteSport.

Dan & Janine Patitucci are two of the outdoor industry’s leading photographers as well as fulltime athletes. Their work is used by Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, Smartwool, GORE-TEX and countless others. Their portfolio and blog is patitucciphoto.com.

I went over to the Dolomites just last week after the UTMB. I checked out the Agordo area and then Pellegrino Pass. Amazing mountains and a great network of trails. Don't be surprised to do some hairy climbs too but they have cables to help. Here's some pictures from last week: